How to Change 24 Hour to 12 Hours in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever looked at your Windows 10 clock and wondered why it’s showing military time (like 17:45) instead of the familiar 12-hour format (like 5:45 PM)? You’re not alone. Many users prefer the 12-hour clock format because it’s easier to read and more intuitive for everyday use.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to change 24 hour to 12 hours in Windows 10, step by step. You’ll learn multiple methods — from using the Settings app to tweaking Control Panel and even adjusting date and time formats for specific regions.

Whether you’re a casual user or a tech-savvy multitasker, this tutorial will help you make your clock display exactly how you want it to.

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🕒 Why Change 24-Hour Format to 12-Hour in Windows 10?

Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why you might want to switch to a 12-hour clock format.

Benefits of Using the 12-Hour Clock Format

• Easier to read: Most people are used to AM/PM format for daily activities.

• More personal preference: In many regions, people naturally think in 12-hour time (e.g., 8:00 AM instead of 08:00).

• Consistency: Matches how time is displayed on phones, calendars, and other apps.

• Better clarity: Avoids confusion between morning and evening times if you prefer using AM/PM indicators.

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⚙️ Method 1: Change from 24-Hour to 12-Hour Format via Windows Settings

The easiest way to change your Windows 10 clock from 24-hour to 12-hour format is through the Settings app.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open the Settings app.

   • Press Windows + I on your keyboard.

   • Alternatively, click the Start menu → select Settings (gear icon).

2. Go to Time & Language.

   • In the Settings window, click “Time & Language.”

3. Select “Date & time” from the left-hand menu.

4. Scroll down and click “Date, time & regional formatting.”

5. Under Regional format data, click “Change data formats.”

6. You’ll see options labeled:

   • Short time

   • Long time

7. Click the dropdown menu next to each:

   • For Short time, select h:mm tt (this is 12-hour format).

   • For Long time, select h:mm:ss tt.

8. Close the Settings window.
   Your taskbar clock should now show the 12-hour format with AM/PM.

✅ Example:

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🖥️ Method 2: Change Time Format via Control Panel

Prefer the classic Control Panel interface? No problem — you can change the time format there too.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Control Panel.

   • Type “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and press Enter.

2. Click on “Clock and Region.”

3. Choose “Region.”

4. In the Formats tab, click “Additional settings.”

5. Select the Time tab.

6. You’ll see fields for:

   • Short time

   • Long time

7. Change the formats:

   • Set Short time to h:mm tt

   • Set Long time to h:mm:ss tt

8. Click Apply, then OK.

9. Click OK again in the Region window to save your settings.

Your Windows 10 clock should now display the 12-hour format.

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🕐 Method 3: Using Taskbar Settings (Quick Shortcut)

Sometimes, the easiest fix is right on your taskbar.

Quick Steps:

1. Right-click the time and date on your taskbar.

2. Choose “Adjust date/time.”

3. Scroll down and click “Date, time, & regional formatting.”

4. Then select “Change data formats.”

5. Adjust Short time and Long time to 12-hour (h:mm tt and h:mm:ss tt).

6. Close the window — your changes apply instantly.

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🌎 Method 4: Change Time Format Based on Region Settings

Windows 10 automatically sets time formats based on your region. If your PC is using a country where 24-hour format is standard, you can switch to a region that uses 12-hour time.

Here’s how:

1. Open Settings → Time & Language.

2. Click Region.

3. Under Country or region, select United States or any country that uses 12-hour format.

4. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Your system time should now display in 12-hour format with AM/PM.

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🧭 Method 5: Change Time Format via Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If you’re comfortable editing the Windows Registry, you can force the 12-hour time format manually.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Always back up your registry before making changes.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to the following key:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International


3. In the right pane, double-click:

   • sShortTime

   • sTimeFormat

4. Change their values to:

   • sShortTime = h:mm tt

   • sTimeFormat = h:mm:ss tt

5. Click OK and exit Registry Editor.

6. Restart your PC to apply changes.

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🔁 How to Revert Back to 24-Hour Format

If you ever change your mind and want to return to the 24-hour clock, simply repeat the above steps and choose:

• Short time: HH:mm

• Long time: HH:mm:ss

This will bring back the familiar military-style time display.

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🧩 Troubleshooting: What if the Clock Still Shows 24-Hour Format?

Sometimes, even after changing the settings, your clock may still display the wrong format. Here’s what to check:

1. Restart Your Computer

• Some regional or formatting changes need a restart to take effect.

2. Check for Multiple User Accounts

• Each Windows account can have its own date and time settings. Make sure you’re adjusting the correct one.

3. Verify Region and Language

• Ensure your region supports 12-hour format under Settings → Time & Language → Region.

4. Update Windows

• Outdated Windows versions might cause glitches. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update, and check for updates.

5. Reset to Default

• If all else fails, click “Reset” in the “Additional settings” window under Control Panel → Region.

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🧠 Understanding 12-Hour vs. 24-Hour Time Format

The 12-Hour Clock:

• Splits the day into two cycles: AM (midnight to noon) and PM (noon to midnight).

• Example: 2:30 PM = afternoon.

The 24-Hour Clock:

• Runs from 00:00 (midnight) to 23:59.

• Example: 14:30 = 2:30 PM.

Switching to 12-hour format doesn’t change how your computer tracks time internally — it just changes how it’s displayed.

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💡 Pro Tips for Managing Date & Time Formats in Windows 10

1. Customize other formats: You can also modify date formats (like DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY) under the same settings.

2. Sync your time automatically: Turn on “Set time automatically” in the Date & Time settings.

3. Use keyboard shortcuts:

   • Windows + I: Open Settings

   • Windows + R: Run dialog

   • Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows quickly.

4. Add a second clock: You can show an additional clock in another time zone (great for global meetings).
   Go to Control Panel → Clock and Region → Add clocks for different time zones.

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🔍 SEO Tip: Related Keywords and Phrases

If you’re researching this topic, you might also search for:

• how to switch from military time to normal time in Windows 10

• how to display AM/PM in Windows 10 clock

• change clock format Windows 10

• 12-hour time not showing on Windows 10

• how to fix time display format

All of these relate to adjusting your system time settings and are covered in this guide.

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🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways

Remember:

• Use h:mm tt for 12-hour time.

• Use HH:mm for 24-hour time.

• Restart your PC if the changes don’t appear immediately.

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🏁 Conclusion

Switching from 24-hour to 12-hour format in Windows 10 is quick, easy, and totally customizable. Whether you prefer using the modern Settings app, the classic Control Panel, or the Registry Editor, the result is the same — a time display that fits your personal style.

By following this guide, you now know exactly how to change 24-hour to 12-hours in Windows 10, fix display issues, and even customize other date and time preferences.

So go ahead — make your clock display feel more like you!

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❓FAQs: How to Change 24 Hour to 12 Hours in Windows 10

1. How do I add AM/PM to my Windows 10 clock?

Go to Settings → Time & Language → Date, time & regional formatting → Change data formats, and select h:mm tt under Short time.

2. Why doesn’t my Windows 10 clock show AM/PM even after changing the format?

Try restarting your computer or checking your region settings. Some regions default to 24-hour time.

3. Can I use different time formats for different accounts?

Yes. Each user account on Windows 10 can have its own time and date format preferences.

4. Is it possible to change only the taskbar clock and not system apps?

No, the time format is system-wide and applies across the OS — including taskbar, File Explorer, and apps.

5. Does changing time format affect scheduled tasks or apps?

No. Windows uses universal (24-hour) time internally. Changing the display format only affects how it’s shown, not how it’s processed.

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🧭 Final Summary

Changing from 24-hour to 12-hour time in Windows 10 takes less than a minute and helps you view time in the way you’re most comfortable with. You can:

• Use the Settings app or Control Panel to update formats.

• Choose h:mm tt to enable AM/PM display.

• Restart your PC if changes don’t apply instantly.

Your PC clock should now show time in the friendly, easy-to-read 12-hour format — just the way you like it!

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